The name Shelton is of English origin and means "from the willow grove." It was initially a surname derived from Middle English place names such as Shelton in Shropshire or Shelton in Norfolk, which were themselves derived from Old English elements meaning "willow" and "settlement."
Shelton first appeared as a given name during the 19th century. Before that time, it was primarily used as a surname. Today, Shelton is considered a unique and distinctive male given name, though it can also be used for females.
One of the most notable figures with the surname Shelton is Thomas Shelton (1586-1646), an English translator and clergyman who translated "Don Quixote" into English in 1612. This translation helped to popularize Miguel de Cervantes's novel in England.
In summary, Shelton is a name with English roots that has evolved from being primarily a surname to becoming a distinctive given name for both males and females. Its meaning, "from the willow grove," adds a touch of nature to this unique moniker.
The name Shelton has been consistently present in the United States over the past century and a half, with notable fluctuations in its popularity.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was an average of about 7-10 births per year with the name Shelton. The highest number during this period was 18 births in 1908.
However, beginning around the 1930s, we start to see a significant increase in popularity for the name Shelton. In 1935, there were 97 births, and by 1937, that number had risen to 115. This trend continued through the mid-20th century, reaching its peak in 1969 with 161 births.
After this high point, the popularity of the name Shelton began to decline steadily. By 1980, there were only 121 births, and by 2020, that number had fallen further to 32.
Despite this recent decrease in popularity, the name Shelton has remained relatively consistent over time with a total of 11,931 births in the United States since 1880. This demonstrates the enduring appeal of the name Shelton for parents throughout history and across generations.